Short Story Reflection

            The three short stories that I read independently were “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” “Rise of the Flapper,” and “Hills Like White Elephants.” I have noticed that each story takes place in a different time period and different place. Another thing I have noticed include that each story contains a psychologically dark mood.

            These are highly important because, some of them could explain what life was like in those times. I think that using the knowledge; we could learn more about many ways of life from those times. Plus, we could learn about survival skills.

Literary Elements

I have noticed many examples of literary elements in the short stories we have read so far. For example, in every short story that we've read, we can tell from the 1st paragraph that they are sad stories. Plus, many of the stories end with the main character dying while other stories end with the protagonist feeling sorry for themselves. These stories are not really interesting to me in any way whatsoever because of their endings.

This paragraph contains the amount of time I spent reading “The Book Thief” and the short stories this week. 10/8/12:  30 min.  10/9: 30 min. 10/10: 30 min. 10/12: 30 min. 10/13:  30 min. 10/14:  30 min. 

First Quarter Evaluation

I have mixed feelings about my performance this quarter because of many problems. Although I did wait to be dismissed, check my e-mail and the website, and use appropriate communication through e-mail, I had a small problem with coming to class prepared. This is because I can have a hard time keeping track of my belongings. If only I could go back in time and present this from happening. Sadly, I can't prevent what has already happened. However, I can prevent the same thing from happening in the future by pushing myself even harder and making sure I keep track of my belongings.

            Unfortunately, the problem does not end here. The 1st quarter of freshman year has been a disaster for me. To make matters worse, I have so many terrible grades in English that I don't think I can make it through high school. If I can't pass English, then I might as well give up my dream of becoming an author. 

Reading Details

October 1: "The Book Thief" 10 minutes
October 2: "To Da-Duh, In Memorium" 10 minutes 
October 3: "A&P" 10 minutes
October 4: "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" 20 minutes
October 5: "The Book Thief" 30 minutes
October 6: "The Book Thief" 30 minutes
October 7: "The Book Thief" 10 minutes

"I am a writer who..."

I am a writer who enjoys writing because it gives me a way to express my imagination. Using ideas I think of while watching TV, movies, and reading in books, I can explore new adventures for my main characters. One of my favorite stories that I have written is “Heroes Rising.” The main character of the story is Jake the Snake who enters a martial arts tournament and is forced to fight his way out by defeating the fierce opponents. 

Reading Response to The Book Thief: Plot Support

The exposition for The Book Thief includes that the angel of death, which reveals that this will not be a happy story, narrates the story. What’s more it’s set during World War II, adding to my suspicion that tragic events will unfold.

Rising action: At the very start of the book the main character, Liesel’s, brother dies on the train, and we learn that Liesel is the book thief. This makes me wonder why he considers her a thief and why she is stealing books. Also, it makes me wonder if she will continue to steal books. Other events in rising action include the plane crash, and the family harboring a Jew to protect him from the Nazis.

Conflict: It’s war so people are being persecuted, Liesel is living with a foster family, food is scarce, the Hubermann’s are in conflict within their family due political views, and there is conflict in their community for political reasons as well. Liesel also experiences conflict at school, and even while playing soccer.

Climax: The climax of the book is when Max, the Jew who they will protect, arrives at the Hubermann’s door.

Falling Action: Conflict continues as does suspense because of the risks the Hubermann’s are taking protecting Max. Also, Liesel is growing up, and acting out by stealing books from the Mayor of the town.

Resolution: I haven’t gotten to the end! 

Free Post: Yom Kippur

Free Post: Yom Kippur

            On Wednesday, September 25, the Jewish people will be celebrating a high holy day called Yom Kippur. Every year, we cast our sins into the sea for Adonai. We also fast in order to make amends for our sins. After all, Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement.”

            On this day, we also reflect the days we have sinned and look to the future. We also repent and think about how this can make us better people. Every day I think of the past when I should really look to the future. On Yom Kippur, I usually work on controlling my anxiety, temper, and several other components. I think that people should work on their problems every day instead of just on Yom Kippur.